Indulging in a little retail therapy is one of my favorite things to do — the only catch is holding myself back from spending too much dough. Luckily, there are tons of things on Amazon that are totally badass, and won’t break your budget. I’ve made sure that every item below is wildly clever, useful, and costs $25 or less. So go ahead and add more than a few to your cart.
A projection alarm clock that’s so futuristic
Not only does this alarm clock feature a handy USB port in the back for charging your gadgets, but it can also project the current time onto the ceiling or wall so that it’s easy to see from across the room. The best part? Its LED face can be dimmed by up to five levels — just in case it’s a little too bright for your liking when trying to fall asleep.
A grippy dashboard mat to keep items in reach
Once you’ve placed this mat onto your dashboard or center console, you’ll instantly have a convenient place to rest your phone, sunglasses, or any other small item you’d like to keep within reach. The nonslip surface works to keep anything place on top from flying off when you turn or make a sudden stop. And if it ever loses its grip, rinse it with warm water and soap to give it a quick refresh.
App or remote-controlled strip lights that create the vibe
Having smart lights professionally installed is rarely ever cheap. Enter: these smart strip lights that cost less than $15. The adhesive backing lets you press them into place behind your television, underneath your kitchen cabinets, or nearly anywhere else in your home. Plus, the downloadable smartphone app lets you adjust their color, brightness, and more — all without having to get up from the couch.
The wristband that holds onto nuts, nails, & more
Don’t start that DIY project until you’ve grabbed this wristband. Ten extra-strong magnets on the inside allow it to hold onto nuts, bolts, drill bits, or any other small metal items you’ll want to keep nearby when tackling projects around the house. The best part? It’s made from durable ballistic nylon that’s wear- as well as tear-resistant.
A portable lock box with more than 11,000 5-star reviews
Keys, cash, phones — this portable lock box is great for keeping all sorts of valuables secure. Shock-absorbing foam on the inside helps keep your items safe from being jostled around, while the combination lock on the front can be set to whatever four-digit number you like. One reviewer wrote, “Product is lightweight and just the right size. Easy to secure to a radiator pipe while traveling in Europe for keeping passports safe.”
The digital meat thermometer with a big backlit screen
Can’t quite tell if that burger is cooked all the way through? Not a problem when you have this meat thermometer. It only takes about four seconds to give you an accurate internal temperature when inserted into burgers, steaks, chicken breasts, or nearly any other protein. And unlike some thermometers, this one features a backlit screen so that it’s easy to read when grilling outside at night.
A retractable car charger that can power 4 devices at once
Consider this charger a must-have in any car. It features two retractable charging cables (one lightning and one type-C) that stretch out to 31 inches long, making it easy to power devices in the front as well as back seats. Though if you have more than two gadgets that need a charge? Not a problem, as it also has an additional type-C and USB port so that you can power up to four devices at the same time.
This ultra-slim toaster that takes up hardly any counter space
Anyone with a cramped kitchen can appreciate this toaster. Not only does its ultra-slim design take up hardly any space, but it also features a dial knob on the front that lets you adjust how brown your toast comes out by up to six shades. “The slim design allows for this to be stored on my counter all the time,” wrote one reviewer. “No more having to put stuff up to make room.”
A book of mini-mystery puzzles that let you channel your inner sleuth
You’ll be glad you grabbed this book of mini mysteries the next time you grow bored of your usual sudoku or crossword puzzles. Each mystery presents you with a set of clues and witnesses, both of which you’ll have to take into account when figuring out who committed the crime, what weapon they used, and where the crime occurred. Plus, each puzzle features a good amount of humor for an added dose of fun.
A space-saving toothbrush organizer with room for toiletries
Not only can this organizer hold up to six toothbrushes, but there’s also extra space on top for skin-care serums, soaps, or nearly any other toiletry you can think of. A built-in dispenser squirts the ideal amount of toothpaste onto your bristles to help minimize waste. But if that isn’t enough? Installation is also a total breeze using the included adhesive.
A quick & easy sponge to help defog car windows
Whether your windshield or backseat windows have grown foggy, this sponge is an easy way to get them looking oh-so clear. It instantly removes condensation, regardless of whether it’s wet or dry — and the soft texture won’t leave behind any scratches.
Fun toothbrush cover helmets that protect the bristles
Leaving your toothbrushes sitting out on the sink top is an easy way to wind up with dirty bristles, so why not grab these covers? Their universal design makes them suitable for use with just about any toothbrush. Plus, ventilation holes on the side let air circulate throughout, making it less likely that the bristles will wind up with mildew.
Cleaning gel that reaches deep into nooks & crannies
From the air vents in your car to your laptop keyboard, this gel is great for cleaning deep into all sorts of tight nooks and crannies. It has a lightly tacky surface that latches onto dirt, crumbs, and everything in between. The best part? You can easily reuse it up until the color turns dark.
A touch-control lamp that can shine in 13 different colors
Whether your bedroom or home office could use a little more light, this compact lamp is a solid pick. A few taps on the top is all it takes in order to adjust its brightness up to five levels. But if that isn’t enough? Each order even includes a remote so that you can adjust it between 13 different colors, put it on a timer, as well as turn it on/off — all without having to get out of bed.
Twinkling star string lights that work indoors or out
Add a touch of whimsy to your bedroom or patio by hanging up these string lights. Eight lighting modes give you options when deciding what kind of vibe you’d like to set: waves, twinkle/flash, slow glow, and more. Plus, the waterproof sockets help keep them in good working order if you decide to use them up outside.
Insulated blackout curtains that can help lower utility bills
If you’ve noticed a draft coming from your closed windows, consider hanging up these blackout curtains. Not only are they great for darkening your home so that you can sleep late on the weekends, but they’re also made from thick, heavy fabric that can help insulate your home against the weather outside. And with dozens of colors as well as sizes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a combination that suits your home.
This rechargeable lighter that replaces 350 traditional ones
Stop wasting money on disposable flame lighters and upgrade to this rechargeable one. It produces an electronic plasma arc that can be used to light everything from grills to candles — and unlike regular flame, the plasma arc won’t extinguish in rainy or windy conditions. Choose from three colors: black, violet, or teal.
The space-saving hanger that holds up to 20 bras & tanks
Running out of space in your dresser drawers? Consider transferring all those bras onto this hanger. Twenty hooks give you ample room to hang up everything from bras to strappy tank tops — and the hook at the top even swivels 360 degrees so that it’s easy to have it face whichever way you like.
A slim wall charger that won’t block the other outlet
Whereas the USB brick you’ve likely been using can only charge one device at a time, this wall charger features two ports (one type-C and one USB) so that you can power up to two devices simultaneously. The super-slim design makes it easy to take with you when traveling — and unlike some chargers, this one won’t block the upper wall outlet when plugged into the lower one.
Meat shredder claws with almost 18,000 perfect ratings
Tired of eating the same chicken breast everyday? Try switching things up with help from these meat shredder claws. Their sharp tips easily pierce through everything from chicken to pork. And since they’re heat-resistant up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit, they’ll stand up to items fresh off the grill.
Whimsical string lights that are powered by the sun
You don’t need to have an available outdoor outlet when setting up these string lights. A solar panel attached to the end of the string absorbs sunlight during the day, keeping them lit for hours at night — and there’s no denying that the bee-shaped bulbs are a fun touch.
An unusual book filled with weird AF facts
From pop culture to space, this book is absolutely chock-full of weird AF facts across a variety of topics. It works particularly well as a bathroom book for you to peruse when sitting on the toilet — and at 704 pages, there’s a good chance you’ll never randomly open it to the same page as before.
The squishy LED duck lamp that’s a real conversation starter
Since this LED duck lamp is made from tough silicone, there’s no need to worry about it shattering if you accidentally drop it to the floor. You can also adjust its brightness by up to three levels by giving it a few light taps on the side. Plus, a switch on the bottom lets you put it on a 30-minute timer so that it turns itself off automatically.
Magical flame packets that add colors to your campfire
Looking for easy ways to spice up your camping trip? Search no further than these magical flame packets. Simply toss a few of them into your campfire, and they’ll cause the flames to light up in vivid shades of blue, green, purple, and more. Reviewers appreciated how the effects can last for up to a full hour — and one even raved that they “add some serious pizzaz to your fire.”
The laser tape measure that can handle distance, area, volume, & more
Consider this laser tape measure a much-needed upgrade from the traditional one you likely have in your toolbox. Not only can it measure distances up to 165 feet long, but it can also calculate area, volume, Pythagorean method-three points, and more. The shockproof design helps keep it in good working order should you drop it — and each order comes with batteries included.
Ultra-slim brushes that help you clean deep into tight spaces
From dirty sliding door tracks to grimy window sills, these ultra-slim brushes are great for cleaning deep into all sorts of tight spaces. The bristles are made from sturdy PET that won’t easily fray over time _ and a loop at the end of the handle lets you hang them up in storage. Plus, their ergonomic design makes them comfortable to grip in both hands.
A memory foam bath mat with a unique cobblestone look
Step off of that hard shower floor and onto this plush bath mat. The plush memory foam interior helps cushion your joints for added comfort — and the nonslip underside helps keep it from shifting around on smooth floors. The best part? With eight colors as well as seven sizes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your bathroom.
The bubbly clay mask designed to deep clean your pores
Stubborn blackheads are no match for this bubbly mask. The added carbonation helps it dive deep into pores, cleansing away everything from blackheads to oil. It can even help minimize the appearance of pores — and many reviewers described it as a “fun” addition to their skin-care routine.
LED flashlight gloves that direct light wherever you point
With LED flashlights on the index and thumb, these gloves are a clever way to shine light wherever you need it. They’re made from stretchy fabric that expands to fit most hands — and they’ll work particularly well when tackling DIY jobs or camping. Each order also comes with batteries included.
This toteable microfiber towel that dries ultra-quickly
Whether you’re packing for a camping trip or headed to the gym, don’t forget to bring this towel with you. It’s made from absorbent microfiber, making it great for wiping away sweat, drying your body after a dip in a lake, or even just wiping down your tent after a rainy day. But if that isn’t enough? Since it dries quickly, the likelihood of it developing mildew is incredibly low.
The handy patio umbrella light that’s completely cordless
Pop this light around your patio table umbrella, and you’ll instantly be able to dine outside once the sun has gone down. The cordless design means there’s no need to plug it into an outlet — and it only needs four AA batteries (which are not included) to deliver hours’ worth of light.
The easy-to-install shower mirror that won’t fog up
Mounting this mirror inside your shower is as easy as hanging it up via the adhesive hook that comes included with every order. The anti-fog glass won’t grow cloudy as you bathe — even if you prefer taking extra-hot showers. Plus, you’ll also receive an adhesive razor hook for added convenience.
A rustic terrarium that lets you propagate plants in style
Propagating stems is a clever way to increase the number of plants in your home without spending any money, so why not grab this terrarium? The bulbs are made from real glass — not plastic — and you can adjust the base to fit on narrow window sills or desks as needed. “I love how clean and classy it looks,” wrote one reviewer. “I appreciate that it came with a plastic bottle with spout to easily add water.”
A cutting board that doubles as a storage bin
Not only can this dish tub hold up to 8 liters of water, but it also collapses down flat so that you can use it as a cutting board in a pinch. And if you need to wash your greens before cooking them? A removable plug makes it easy to strain away excess water without having to dump everything out.
A set of brush heads to transform hand drills into high-powered scrubbers
Don’t waste all that elbow grease trying to clean those grimy surfaces. Instead, pop one of these brush heads into your hand drill to transform it into a high-powered scrubber. Each order comes with six heads in varying sizes, making them great for dirty jobs both large and small. And while the nylon bristles are tough on dirt, don’t be fooled — they’re still gentle enough that you won’t have to worry about them leaving behind scratches on tile or porcelain surfaces.
The calming projection lamp that casts soothing waves onto your ceiling
Looking for easy ways to set a relaxing vibe in your bedroom? Search no further than this projection lamp. It casts soothing ocean waves onto your ceiling and walls, creating an oh-so inviting space that can help calm your mind after a long day at work. Plus, a built-in Bluetooth speaker even lets you play your favorite songs as you kick back and relax.
This travel-friendly sewing kit that’s great for quick repairs
Whether a button fell off your blouse or there’s a tear in your favorite t-shirt, this sewing kit is great for making all sorts of quick fixes. It comes with everything you’ll need, including multiple spools of thread in varying colors, needles, scissors, measuring tape, and more. The best part? Everything comes packaged in a handy travel case so that it’s easy to take with you.
The beach-friendly cup holder with space for phones, sunglasses, & more
Don’t risk sand getting into your drink when relaxing at the beach. Instead, pop it into this cup holder. An extra pocket on the side gives you somewhere to stash your phone, keys, sunglasses, and more. But if that isn’t enough? You also have the choice of five colors: teal, blue, green, and more.
This rechargeable book light with adjustable modes
Squinting at pages when reading in poor lighting can put strain on your eyes. Enter: this book light. Its battery lasts for up to 80 hours before it needs to be recharged, while three adjustable light temperature modes (amber, daylight, and cool white) give you options when deciding which looks best splashed across your pages. “The different brightness and warmth/color settings are really useful for reading different mediums/papers,” wrote one reviewer.
Shatterproof string lights that hold up to the weather
Can’t quite tell what your patio is missing? The answer could be as simple as hanging up these string lights. The shatterproof Edison bulbs cast a warm, inviting glow — and the waterproof circuits help keep them in good working order come rain or shine. Choose from two lengths: 50 or 100 feet.
This cooling pillowcase that can bring your body temperature down
I’m a huge fan when it comes to this pillowcase — and not just because my body temp tends to run hot at night. It’s made from specialized Japanese cooling fibers that work to draw heat away from you, helping lower your body temp by up to nine degrees Fahrenheit. The best part? The silky-smooth texture also creates less friction against hair than regular cotton, which can lead to noticeably less frizz come morning.
Ultra-sharp & colorful kitchen knives with nonstick blades
Preparing meals using dull blades can add a ton of stress to the process. Luckily, this set of stainless steel knives is available for less than $25. The blades are made from ultra-sharp stainless steel, with a nonstick coating to help keep them from latching onto garlic, ginger, and other lightly “sticky” ingredients. Plus, their ergonomic handles fit comfortably in either hand.
This adorable little cat that holds onto your AirPods
It’s almost too easy to misplace your AirPods — but that’s where this adorable little cat comes in handy. The magnetic paws keep a firm grip on your AirPods, giving you a safe place to keep them on your desk, nightstand, or nearly anywhere else you can think of. “The magnets work very well [...],” wrote one reviewer. “It’s cute, funny, but best of all, they actually work.”
Colorful glass globes that help keep your plants hydrated
Don’t let your plants wither away when you go on vacation. Instead, use these globes to help keep them watered. Simply fill one up with water, then press the stake down into your plant — the water will gradually seep out to keep your plant hydrated for up to 10 days.
The rechargeable hand warmer that heats up in under 2 minutes
Still using disposable hand warmers? Consider this rechargeable one a cost-effective upgrade. It can heat up in just two minutes or less, with both sides growing warm so that it doesn’t matter which one you’re touching. Plus, the battery delivers up to four hours of warmth before it needs to be recharged.
A sleek & convenient holder for your car registration docs
Don’t go scrounging through your glove compartment when you need to find registration. Instead, keep it inside of this holder. There’s extra space inside for insurance info, extra IDs, AAA cards, and more. Plus, the leather wear-resistant leather exterior helps keep everything safe from damage.
Cost-effective LED candles that flicker just like the real thing
Stop wasting money buying new candles and upgrade to these LED ones. The bulbs flicker just like actual flames, giving them an oh-so realistic look — even when up close. The best part? Each order also includes a handy remote that lets you put them on a timer, turn them on/off, as well as adjust their brightness.
A nonstick frying pan that lets you cook 4 things without touching
Eggs, pancakes, burger patties — this frying pan is great for cooking all of them and more. Four cups make it easy to cook four different personal-sized meals at the same time, while the nonstick surface ensures that cleanup is a total breeze. Plus, the handle even has a loop at the end so that you can hang it up in storage if desired.
Swedish dishcloths that can help you save *so* much money over time
Stop wasting disposable paper towels and upgrade to these Swedish dishcloths. They can absorb up to 20 times their weight in water, making them great for wiping up spills, cleaning bathrooms, and every dirty job in between. The best part? Since they dry quickly, they’re also less likely to develop unwanted odors.
A silicone pet food mat that helps keep mess to a minimum
Tired of always having to clean your floors after your pet has eaten their food? Not a problem when you have this mat. Simply place your pet’s food bowls on top, and the raised lip around the edge will help keep kibble as well as splashes contained. Choose from five colors: gray, beige, black, navy, or blue.
The whimsical night-light that looks like glowing mushrooms
Don’t be surprised if guests ask where you found this wimsical night light. Not only is it designed to look like a quartet of glowing mushrooms, but each order also comes with a remote so that you can adjust its brightness, color, and more — all without getting out of bed. Plus, the built-in battery means there’s no need to use it near an outlet.
Clever wand filters that can help remove impurities from wine
The histamines and other impurities in red and white wines can leave your head throbbing come morning — which is only part of the reason why I’m a fan of these filters. Simply swish one of them around in your glass of wine, and it’ll work to remove unwanted allergens while simultaneously helping improve the flavor. The best part? Their compact size makes them easy to take with you when eating out.
A foot pull that helps you open cabinets hands-free
Add this foot pull to the bottoms of your cabinet doors, and you’ll be able to open them completely handsfree. Installation is as easy as securing it into place using either adhesive or screws (both of which come included). And since it’s made from tough carbon steel, you can rest assured that it’s built to last.
This handy extendable wiper for your sideview mirrors
You’ll be glad you grabbed this wiper the next time your side view mirrors start to grow foggy while you’re driving. The telescopic handle extends out to 38 inches, making it easy to use without getting out of the car — and its squeegee head works just as well clearing away fog as it does rain droplets. “I leave early for the gym every morning and my rearview mirror defroster's aren’t great but this was awesome,” wrote one reviewer. “In less than 45 seconds both mirrors were clean.”
Reusable cable ties made from sturdy silicone
Got a mess of loose cables cluttering up a drawer? Use these ties to get them looking neat and tidy. They’re made from sturdy silicone that can handle being wrapped and unwrapped dozens of times, making them super reusable. Plus, the button closure helps keep them firmly secured so that there’s no need to worry about them unwrapping themselves.
The safety hammer that can help you escape your car in an emergency
This safety hammer is one of those rare items that best to have and not need, than need and not have. It features a window smasher as well as a seatbelt cutter — both of which can help you escape your car in the event of an emergency. The best part? Its compact size easily fits inside of most glove compartments.
Color-changing wind chimes that automatically glow at night
Add a pop of color to any dull patio by hanging up these wind chimes. They slowly change from one of six colors to another — and the LED bulbs even have a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours. A built-in solar panel absorbs energy during they day to keep them lit for up to eight hours at night.
A set that let you turn empty bottles into a wireless LED lamp
Repurpose empty liquor or wine bottles into lamps with help from this LED bulb and shade set. A battery on the inside of the base keeps the bulb lit for up to 12 hours before it needs to be recharged — and you can even switch the light between one of 16 different colors using the included remote. The best part? The shade comes in 29 different colors, including dark green, purple, gold, and more.
The stainless steel dome for perfectly melty cheese
Not only is this dome great for making cheese melt on your burger patties, but it can also be used to ensure that heat is being evenly distributed across the entire surface underneath. The stainless steel metal is just as durable as it is resistant to rust. And if your grill or stove is on the smaller side, you have the choice of two sizes: 9 or 6 inches.
This little piggy container to save bacon grease
Incorporating bacon grease into your meals is a clever way to give it an added depth of flavor, so why not grab this container? It’s made from heat-resistant silicone that can withstand being filled with hot liquids — and a strainer built into the top removes any burnt bits so that all you’re left with is pure grease. Plus, the pig-shaped design adds a touch of fun to any kitchen.
Tongs that help you safely grab things from the toaster
Don’t burn yourself reaching into a hot toaster. Instead, use these tongs. They’re made from sturdy wood that won’t conduct electricity, helping keep you safe from shocks as well as burns. The best part? The bunny-shaped handle is sure to have friends asking where you bought them.
Sweat-absorbing handkerchiefs for workouts & more
Whether you’re heading to yoga class or out on a sunny day, consider taking these handkerchiefs with you. They’re made from plush microfiber that’s just as soft as it is absorbent. And since they dry quickly, there’s no need to worry about them turning into a mildewy mess inside your gym bag.
This tenderizer tool that helps soften tough cuts of meat
Don’t even think about throwing that tough cut of meat onto the grill until you’ve used this tenderizer to help soften it up. Simply press it down into the meat, and the stainless steel blades will quickly break up the tough sinews that leave certain cuts tasting chewy. Or, if you plan on using a marinade, you can also use the tenderizer on the meat beforehand to help the marinade soak more deeply into its tissues.
Granite whiskey stones that chill drinks without diluting
Plain ice cubes can leave drinks tasting diluted as they melt. Instead, opt for these whiskey stones. They won’t melt when placed in drinks, helping keep them deliciously chilled without any dilution. Simply keep them stored in the freezer using the included tray and they’ll always be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
This basting pot & brush set made from rust-resistant stainless steel
Basting your proteins is an easy way to help keep it tasting moist and tender, so why not grab this basting set? The pot can hold up to 16 ounces of fluid — and the lid even features a brush built into it for added convenience. Plus, the stainless steel frame on both is unlikely to corrode over time.
